“Upon what account?” interrupted the favorite. “On account of a strange voice,” continued Zegris, “which Chazour says he heard at the toilet of his princess. Since yesterday, the Sultan’s court is full of people, who go with their ears cock’d, in hopes of catching, I can’t say how, such declarations, as most certainly the persons concerned have no inclination to make them.”

“That is silly,” replied the favorite. “Alcina’s misfortune, if it be one, is far from being averred. We have not got to the bottom⁠—”

“Madam,” interrupted Zelmaida, “I have heard her most distinctly. She spoke without opening her mouth. The facts were well articulated, and it was not very difficult to guess whence this extraordinary sound issued. I assure you, that I should have died, were I in her place.”

“Died!” replied Zegris. “Folks survive other sorts of accidents.”